2012 subaru impreza Model Overview

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The 2012 Subaru Impreza is all-new this year. Now its fourth generation, Subaru set out to make the 2012 Impreza both more fuel efficient, and more attractive than the previous model – the two largest complaints about the last-generation Impreza sedan and four-door hatchback.

To make the 2012 Impreza more fuel efficient while retaining its signature all-wheel-drive system, Subaru lightened the body, and introduced a new engine to the Impreza. The 2012 Impreza is now powered by a new 2.0-liter 148-hp and 145 lb-ft of torque F-4. The new 2.0-liter F-4 is bolted to a five-speed manual transmission or an all-new “Lineartronic” CVT. When equipped with the manual, the new Impreza returns an EPA-estimated 25/34 mpg city/highway, and with the CVT 27/36 mpg city/highway. Subaru says this make’s the 2012 Impreza the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive vehicle in America.

In order to make the 2012 Impreza more attractive, Subaru introduced a fresh-looking four-door sedan, and five-door hatchback model. The new Impreza looks sharp, crisp, and is arguably much more attractive than the previous model, especially with its new “Baby Legacy” look.

The 2012 Subaru Impreza is an all-new model this year. Now in its fourth-generation, the 2012 Impreza gets a new body (available as a four-door sedan or five-door hatch) with styling that’s arguably much more attractive than the previous generation, a new engine, and new CVT. The Impreza is powered by an all-new 2.0-liter 148-hp and 145 lb-ft F-4, mated to the five-speed manual from the previous generation Impreza, or an all-new CVT. While down on power compared to the previous generation, the new 2012 Impreza is both faster and more fuel efficient than the previous generation, even with its standard all-wheel drive.

With its new “Baby Legacy” looks, the 2012 Subaru Impreza is arguably much more attractive than the oft-putting previous generation. Like the last generation, the 2012 Impreza continues to be available in two different body styles — a four-door sedan, and a sporty-looking five-door hatchback. Exterior trim varies by model on the 2012 Impreza. Those who opt for the base Impreza 2.0i get 15-inch steel wheels with wheel covers and black mirrors, while those who opt for the mid-tier 2.0i Limited gets foglights, chrome door handles, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The hatchback-only Impreza 2.0i Sport Premium and Limited meanwhile get sporty 17-inch alloy wheels, body-color rocker panels, and roof rails standard.

Like its exterior, the interior is all-new for the 2012 Impreza. The Impreza’s cabin features larger windows than the previous generation for an increased feeling of spaciousness, and to lessen the vehicle’s blind spots. All Impreza’s come standard with 60/40 split folding rear seats, a multi-function display mounted up high on the dash, an “Eco Gauge,” and power windows. Some available luxuries in the 2012 Impreza include heated seats, a moon roof, touch-screen navigation with iPod compatibility, and for the first time ever in an Impreza, leather upholstery.

Considering the 2012 Subaru Impreza is down 22 horsepower compared to the 2011 model, it’s quite surprising that the 2012 model is actually faster than the outgoing version The Impreza is powered by an all-new 2.0-liter F-4 for the 2012 model year. The new engine produces 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. Power is put down to all four wheels with Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system through either a five-speed manual transmission or a CVT. In our testing a manual-equipped hatchback accelerated from 0-60 mph in 8.0 seconds, while a CVT-equipped sedan took 9.4 seconds. With a lighter chassis than last year and a stiffer chassis, the new Impreza is much more tossable in the corners, and actually fun to drive and push hard for a compact car.

The 2012 Subaru Impreza comes standard with seven airbags, including a side-curtain airbag system, and a new driver’s knee airbag, making the 2012 Impreza one of the first among its class to include such a feature. The 2012 Subaru Impreza also comes standard with Vehicle Dynamics Control stability and traction control system, Brake Assist systems, active front head restraints, and a Brake Override system, which cuts the engine power when both the gas and brake are pressed simultaneously, insuring no instances of unintended acceleration.

2012 Subaru Impreza Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$18,495

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$14,300

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

Recalls

Brake fluid may leak due to the brake line corrosion and may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Impreza, 2008-2014 WRX and STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia that were remedied under recall 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014. The brake lines may experience brake line corrosion due to salt water splashing on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will apply an anti-corrosion wax to the four-way joint connector area of the brake line system, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQQ-52. Notes: This recall is specific to affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI customers who had their car remedied under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014. Subaru has determined that this remedy was inadequate due to incomplete repair instructions provided to dealers. Affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI vehicles that were not repaired under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014 will continue to be processed under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311. Affected vehicles not currently, or formerly, registered in the salt belt states identified in this recall are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.

Units Affected

200064

Recall ID#13V061000 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Consequence

The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.

Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza and 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines. Note that affected vehicles not currently, or formerly registered, in the salt belt states identified above are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will test the brake system by depressing the brake pedal and inspecting for brake fluid leaks. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected areas will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. These services will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 2014 and second notifications will run through November 2014. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQK-47. Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V-110 which applied to certain 2005-2009 Legacy/Outback vehicles. Vehicles that were remedied under the previous campaign still need additional areas rust-proofed.

Units Affected

461338

Recall ID#11V562000 - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

Consequence

THE DRIVER MIGHT MISJUDGE THE AMOUNT OF BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL REQUIRED TO ACHIEVE THE DESIRED STOPPING DISTANCE. THIS COULD OCCUR UNEXPECTEDLY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 IMPREZA SEDANS AND WAGONS (EXCEPT WRX/STI MODELS), MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 21, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 15, 2011, AND LEGACY AND OUTBACK VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 17, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 23, 2011. THESE VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH A BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER THAT COULD MALFUNCTION AND CAUSE AN INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL DISTANCE REQUIRED TO SLOW OR STOP THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.

Units Affected

32685

Recall ID#13V061000 - EQUIPMENT

Consequence

The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.

If the ODS deactivates, the front passenger air bag will be turned off and the front passenger air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012 model year Subaru Impreza 4-Door and Station Wagon vehicles (except WRX/STI models) manufactured April 21, 2011, to February 16, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may deactivate if a front seat passenger operates a device that is plugged into the power outlet such as a music player or cell phone, or touches a metal part of the vehicle such as the forward/rearward seat adjuster lever.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Occupant Control Unit with a modified one, free of charge. The recall began August 21, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQT-55.

2012 Subaru Impreza News and Reviews

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